Every baker who’s worth their salt—er, sugar—needs a few trusty cookbooks, even those who are new to the craft. But with literally thousands of cookbooks available, how do you choose? Here are our picks for basic baking books that are sure to quickly become dog-eared and chocolate-stained.

Basic Baking: Everything You Need to Know to Start Baking Plus 101 Luscious Dessert Recipes that Anyone Can Make by Lora Brody

Lora Brody’s Basic Baking book takes us through the role of each ingredient (baking soda versus baking powder, for example) before moving on to basic baking techniques such as folding, beating and mixing. Brody demystifies culinary terms, simplifies seemingly daunting concoctions (meringue, anyone?), instills confidence in her readers, and helps them determine what to make for dessert, night after night.

Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook by Martha Stewart

The domestic diva that is Martha Stewart knows her stuff, and that includes crafts, home keeping, flower arranging, and of course, cooking. A sense of order rules all that she does, and baking is no exception. Follow her orderly step-by-step instructions, and you’ll end up with an incredible finished product, be it peach apricot tortes, blueberry muffins or devil’s food cake.

Betty Crocker Just Cupcakes: 100 Recipes for the Way You Really Cook 

While we’d argue that the word “just” should never apply to cupcakes, this book just about covers them. The quick tips make it beginner-friendly, and with everything from everyday to special occasion cupcakes, these foolproof recipes will make you swoon.